Negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent health: Insights, perspectives, and recommendations

Has Anything Changed in the Frequency of Emergency Department Visits and the Profile of the Adolescent Seeking Emergency Mental Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

“…Psychological-social stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic to which adolescents have been exposed are multiple: home quarantine, closure of schools, and interruption in sports, cultural activities and any kind of public or private event that are all factors that have determined a loss of social connectivity and a drastic routine disruption. In addition, a decline in physical activity, loss of tutor time, and excessive ‘screen time’ due to virtual learning and overuse of social or digital media bombarded with negative news can adversely affect mental health as well as the separation, loss, and trouble caused by the separation from primary caregivers because of illness, lockdown, or death or the anxiety or terror for their own or their parents’ death [ 6 , 7 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. Altogether, these multiple stressors might work as an “explosive mixture” and might abruptly and acutely destroy the personal and social balance of the adolescent who basically suffers a lack of positive coping skills and resilience during periods of adjustment [ 40 , 41 ].…”

“…Although adolescents are less susceptible to severe disease outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection than adults [ 4 , 5 ], they are not unscathed by the detrimental burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. Adolescence is a delicate phase of growth and development between childhood and adulthood, characterized by rapid biological, social, and physical changes, and psychological problems are known to emerge during this period [ 6 ]. The young are particularly exposed to the negative impact of events related to a pandemic because of a limited grasp of its intensity and inadequate coping strategies [ 7 ].…”

Trends in health behaviors and mental health among Korean adolescents in Korea over 5 years, 2017–2021: focusing on the comparisons before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…In the second year of the pandemic, students were required to adjust to the evolving educational policies and quarantine guidelines. Consequently, they expressed their challenges with increased levels of confusion and stress ( 20 , 27 ). Moreover, adolescents may feel overwhelmed by prolonged media coverage ( 35 ).…”

The Impact of Lockdown during COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health of Adolescents

“…Several studies have shown that children who tested positive or were quarantined for COVID-19 experienced separation stress and were more likely to develop psychological conditions such as anxiety, adjustment disorder, and post-traumatic stress. 3,[44][45][46][47] Tangibly, coping with stress and grief from losing family members and friends to the disease can overwhelm an adolescent's mental resolve. The COVID-19 pandemic also prompted other psychological tolls from social isolation, loneliness, lack of engagement, and boredom attributable to restrictive public health policies.…”

“…It is during this unique transitional period that adolescents are subject to increased exposure to health-influencing events and behaviors that could shape long-term health outcomes. 3,4 The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new physical consequences and emotional stress that compound this fragile adolescent period via disruption to social opportunities, which resulted in isolation, loneliness, and deprivation of various routine services. 5 This has come as a result of the enormous effort invested by health authorities and governments to mitigate the rapid viral transmission through social and physical distancing directives, isolations and quarantines, and lockdowns as a last resort.…”